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/25T PRIOE25_OENTS 

mi THE GAME 



SKAT 



BY THZIE ZMI-A-vTOIR,. 



'• Excelsior Publishing House. 



HOW TO PLAY 



THE GAME 



OF 



SKAT 



^= 






^3~5T TECDE IMZ^JOIR. 




NEW YOKK: 
EXCELSIOR PUBLISHING HOUSE. 






Copyright, 1887, 

BY 

Excelsior Publishing Housl:, 



y 



> 



OOItsTTIEIETTS.. 






www 


Page, 


Introductory, ..... 


O 


Advice, . 


. 29 


Dealing, ...... 


10 


Following Suit, . ■ . 


. 15 


From the Lowest to the Highest Game, 


20 


Grando, ..... 


. 22 


Grando with the Knaves, 


24 


Hints as to the proper playing of Skat, 


. 28 


Matadors, . 


18 


Nullo, 


. 22 


NuIId Ouvert, ..... 


22 


Penalties, . 


. 17 


Philosophy of the Count, 


26 


Playing the Game, .... 


. 16 


Plays, ...... 


24 


Points — Games, 


. 13 


Progression of the Game, 


19 



4 

Page. 

23 
Recapitulation, . 

Schneider and Schwartz, 

g 1 . . 21 

Solo, ...•••• 

12 
Suits and Yalues, . • 

Table of Values, 31 



The Skat, . 

To Call a Game, . • 

To Lay Down, . 

Tourne, . 

Trumps— Matadors, • . 

Value of the Cards in Suits, Trumps and Matadors, 

When there is no call, Ramps, . 



12 
26 
26 
21 
9 



25 



HOW TO PLAY SKAT. 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. 



In the pronunciation of Skat, following the German 
spelling, there will probably arise an inclination to 
make the " a " in the word short, whereas it is long, 
like the "a" in " Father." 

The derivation of the term Skat is difficult to 
determine. In its present form (as played to day) it 
is about fifteen years old, though the basis of the 
game is very much older. There are many games of 
cards where the points are counted as in Skat, and 
as many others where the Knaves play important 
parts. 

There are technical terms special to every game, 
which are part and parcel of it, and these exist in 
Skat. Such particular names had better be retained 
as far as is possible, but the German names of the 
cards themselves, we insist should have their English 
designation allotted to them, otherwise confusion 
would follow\ 



6 

In German the Knaves are called "Bauern," or 
"Jungen," sometimes "Wenzel," as in French they 
are known as " Valets." As the Knaves play a most 
important part in game of Skat, we will use the Eng- 
lish name for them. 

Somewhat of a more difficult task arises if an 
endeavor were made to anglicise certain terms used 
in the game, which are the verbs. 

In Skat, just as there is in Boston, there exists the 
faintest element of bluff. A player wishing to play a 
certain kind of game announces his intention of so 
doing, and an opponent can declare a better game. 
In German this is called gereizt. As we have a synony- 
mous term in Poker we will designate " gereitzen " as 
"calling," or "declaring." As an example of this a 
player may " call " or " declare " a game in diamonds, 
and another a game in hearts, then as a game in hearts 
is better than one in diamonds, the one having the 
game in hearts has "the call," and plays. These 
terms "calls" and "declaration" are both used in 
Boston. 

Failure to do something proposed in Boston brings 
with it its penalties, so in Skat then, if a player does 
not make the game he has called, through bad cards or 
want of skill, he has to pay a certain number of chips 
for his failure. 

Formerly when Whist was played with ten points, 



if a game was scored and won by one side, before the 
other had made a single point, the winners were paid 
three times (a Triple) or four times (a Quadruple) 
whatever the stake might have been. If ten points 
-were scored by partners before five was made by their 
adversaries, a Double was won. 

In Skat there are increasing penalties for non per- 
formances governed by the points, as there are in- 
creased gains for scoring more than the stipulated 
points. 

It may have been already seen that between Skat 
and Boston there are certain faint resemblances. 1 
fact the general card-player soon becomes aware that 
there can be no game which is essentially original of 
its kind. Still in Skat there are many novel features, 
and for this reason it is particularly interesting. 

Such acquaintance then with other games is of 
assistance to the beginner in Skat, but only up to a 
certain point. 

We are rather inclined to the belief that the diffi- 
culty which has arisen so far in acquiring Skat, by 
means of books, is due to the fact that their authors 
have insisted too much on the resemblance between 
Skat and other games. If the same basic laws exist 
in all games, the rules of cards in Skat and which 
govern it, whether arbitrary or not, make it an ex- 
ceptional game. 






8 



The player then, who wants to learn Skat, must, m 
a measure, make up his mind that he is acquiring an 
entirely new game. 

Skat is a game into which the elements of skill 
enters very largely, and though there may be 
thousands of players, there are but few who are good 
performers. 

This element of skill, which, like Whist, will give 
the percentage of games to the greatest ability, is, 
however, more subservient to chance in Skat than in 
Whist, and this is exactly why Skat is so pleasing. 

The unknown quantity is always present, and may 
overturn the best laid plans, and per contra, what 
may have seemed a hazardous or reckless " declara- 
tion " may be crowned with success. 

Skat is a game of combinations, and by that it 
means that there are several different games incorpo- 
rated in it, depending of course on the hands. In 
this respect it resembles Boston. In Boston there is 
the Little Misery, and Little Misery on the table 
where no tricks are taken, and Boston, where all the 
tricks are taken, and nearly these same calls or 
declarations are to be found in Skat, although the 
values of the cards differ. 

A Boston player will understand this at once, 
whereas a Whist player will not. Whist never changes 
its character or main features any more than does 



9 

Magna Charta, and though methods of counting may 
differ, Charles Lamb might sit down to-day, were he 
alive, and play his rubber with Clay or Cavendish. 

To use a Latin saying, we should advise any one 
who wants to learn Skat to make a tabula rasa of his 
mind, that is to rub off of his mental slate all that he 
thinks he knows about other games, and to begin 
afresh. 

The true charm of any game, its perfect value, as a 
recreation, may be judged by the fact as to whether 
it can be played for the love of the thing. Whist, 
Euchre, Picket, Cribbage are of this character, and 
most essentially Skat. It can be played "for love/' or 
for the very smallest stake, because of its inherent 
excellence. 

Let no one believe that Skat cannot be learnt unless 
by seeing the actual game. The difficulties of acquir- 
ing Skat by books have been exaggerated, though 
somewhat due to the confused methods of explana- 
tion. Too much has been taken for granted. 

VALUE OF CARDS IN SKAT. SUITS. TRUMPS. MATADORS. 

ETC., ETC., WITH THE EXCEPTIONS. 

Skat is a game of three persons. Four persons 
may make up thje party, but only three can play. 
When there is a fourth, the fourth deals; he is out of 
the game for the round. 



10 



Skat is played with 32 cards, with the four suits, all 
the cards below the Sevens being excluded, the same 
as in Euchre. Every game is closed when the ten 
cards in each hand are played. 

Remembering that the game is one of combinations, 
there are not less than seven (7) different games in 
Skat, caUed the "Simple Game," " Tourne," " Solo/' 
"Nullo," "Grando," " Nullo-Open," and "Grando- 
Open." 

There is a family resemblance in the Simple game, 
Tourne, Solo and Grando, which, when once under- 
stood, makes an acquaintance with all of them easy. 

The trouble in Skat, which must not be concealed, 
lies in the exceptions, and these will be fully ex- 
plained. Such exceptional games arise only when a 
distinct call is made, the player stating that he intends 
to make a particular game. At once, when the state- 
ment is made, the other players know what is the new 
character of the game. 

DEALING. 

The cards must be shuffled, and the first Jack 
turned determines who shall be dealer. The first 

cards are given to the left. The player to the right 

» 

cuts. An exposed card requires a new deal, but the 
deal does not pass, and the same rule holds in case 
of a mis-deal 



11 

Each player receives ten cards in all, and there are 
two cards over, those two cards are known as the 
Skat. 

The method of dealing is to give not more than five 
cards to each of the three players, and then to put 
two cards on the table face down, not exposing them, 
and next to give the other five cards to the players. 

Three cards can be given to each player, then the 
Skat, which is the two cards put on the table, then four 
more cards to each person, and then three, making ten 
cards in all to each person. 

After the first part of the dealing, for the ten cards 
are to be given, no matter how the cards are dealt, 
whether three or five, the Skat must then be put face 
down on the table. This rule is invariable. 

Variations as to whether five cards, or two or three 
cards, shall be dealt at one time, are permissable, 
providing not less than two cards, but not more than 
five, are given at one time. 

The order of proposing the game to be tried differs 
in Skat from all other games. The order is reversed. 
A deals to B and C. B is known as the first hand, 
C as the middle, and A as the last hand. A does not 
ask B what he will play, but A makes the inquiry of C 
who is to his right. A must have some play or he 
passes. Should he pass, then C asks B. In case all 
three have cards which they think can make a game, 



12 

the one who declares the highest undertaking, the one 
incurring the greatest penalty, has the call. If two call 
the same game, the elder hand has it. The dealer 
always is the elder hand. If all three pass, and there 
is no call, there may be a new game dealt. In some 
cases, what is called Eamps is played, but Ramps 
does not belong to Skat. 

We are now only on the threshold of Skat, and 
further explanations are in order. 

THE SKAT. 

In what are called the Simple game, Tourn6 and 
Solo, and in Grando, the Skat comes into play. 
Turned down on the table, it belongs to the player 
who makes or secures a call. The Skat cannot be 
looked at under all conditions. Sometimes it makes 
the trump, and sometimes the points in it are counted 
for the person who takes it. In certain games it 
does not figure at all, and remains untouched. 

SUITS AND VALUES 

In the Simple game, Tourne and Solo : 

Clubs come 
Spades come second, 
Hearts come third, 
Diamonds come last. 



13 

As the respective values of these suits must always be 
born in mind, an example of this can be readily fur- 
nished. A Simple game in diamonds gives place to 
a Simple game in hearts, hearts to spades, and 
spades to clubs. In Tourne the turning of one card 
makes the trump, the card being taken from the Skat, 
but the Knave of clubs, and the other Knaves in the 
order before mentioned, are always the best trumps, 
then comes the Ace, Ten, King, Queen, etc., of the 
trumps turned. 

Say some player calls the Simple game, there are 
no contestants, no one had bid against him, or urged 
him up higher, then he plays the Simple game. But, 
as it often happens, some one has declared or called 
a higher game, as Tourne, then Tourne makes the 
play. When a play is left to one of the three, the 
other two become his adversaries. If A plays any- 
thing, B and C join together to defeat him, or if it is 
B who has a call, A and C are his opponents. 

i 

POINTS. GAMES . 

In the Simple game, in Tourne, in Solo and in 
Grando, Skat is a game of points, not of tricks. A, 
who makes a declare, might take eight tricks, lose 
two tricks and the game. 

In the Simple game, in Tourne, Solo and Grando, 



14 



your declaration means that you will make sixty-one 
points, or more if you can. .Failing to make the sixty- 
one points, scoring sixty points or less, you lose. 
We repeat purposely the names of these games in 
Skat, the Simple game, Tourne, Solo and Grando, so 
as to impress them on the reader's mind, for there 
are more of these games played than of the others. 
Nullo, and Grando ouvert, are exceptional calls. 

We will now give the character of the points, which 
present no difficulties. 

The Aces count the most, which is eleven. The 
Tens count ten, the Kings four, the Queens three, and 
Knaves two. The Nine, the Eight and Seven have no 
values. 

Taking all the count cards, with the Tens, what are 
they worth? 

Four Aces, 11 each 44 points, 

Four Tens, 10 " 40 

Four Kings, 4 " 16 

Four Queens, 3 " 12 

Four Knaves, 2 " ... 8 



tt 



it 



a 



a 



The total being 120 " 

The half 120 is 60. To make a Simple game, a 
Tourne, a Solo or a Grando, and win it, the player 



15 

must count in his tricks one (1) point more than sixty, 
or sixty-one. If he only makes sixty points he loses. 

Trumps in the game of Skat have their peculiarites, 
but present no difficulties. 

Kemembering the values, first clubs, then spades, 
next hearts, and lastly diamonds, the Knave of clubs 
is the highest trump, no matter what color may have 
been made trumps ; next is the Knave of spades, 
then the Knave of hearts, and lastly comes the Knave 
of diamonds. After the four Knaves, the Ace is the 
best card, then come the Ten, next King, Queen, Nine, 
Eight and Seven. As has before been remarked, the 
difficulty in Skat is in the exceptions, for in Grando 
it is only the four Knaves which are trumps, in the 
succession named. In Nullo there are no trumps 
at all. 

FOLLOWING SUIT. 

In playing, a lead calls for the same suit. You 
must follow suit. Just as in Whist, if you cannot fol- 
low suit you may trump if you wish to, or throw away 
any cards at your pleasure. 

All the Knaves being trumps, if a heart Solo were 
declared, and the Knave of clubs were led, trumps 
must be furnished by the other players. 

It is not to be expected that even an attentive reader 
or m expert card-player can at once seize the main 



16 

features of the game, but as good a plan as any will 
be to present something like an actual game, which 
will explain the character of the Skat and its usages. 

PLAYING A GAME. 

A, B and C are the performers. A has dealt, and B 
declares a game, a Simple game in diamonds. There 
is no opposition, and B sets out to make the sixty-one 
points, diamonds being trumps. It is a low call, 
because a Simple game in hearts would have taken it 
away from him by another player, as would have done 
a call of spades or clubs. 

B, from the fact of his calling, has the privilege of 
taking the Skat, which is the two cards not exposed. 
He does not show them. Just as in Picket, he incor- 
porates the two cards in his hand, discarding or put- 
ting aside two other cards from his own hand, those 
which he thinks are of the smallest importance to 
him. It may happen that he holds two single Tens, or 
only one. He may discard his one, or two Tens, and 
stow them away, for whatever points there are in the 
Skat belong to him, and add to his count. 

Suppose the player B was quite positive of making 
fifty-one points, and doubtful about one Ten he held. 
This Ten, if he could save it, would make him exactly 
what he wants, which is sixty-one points, and so he 
puts it away for safety in his discard. 



17 

B, the first player after the dealer, begins his lead 
He may have the two best Knaves, Ace, Ten of trumps, 
the King of his trump suit, which is diamonds. The 
other trumps may be divided, and all fall to his lead. 
His opponents, A and C, who follow suit, are doing 
their best all the time. to prevent him counting sixty- 
one points. When the ten cards in each hand are 
played out, the count of the cards taken begins. If 
B has sixty-one points in the cards he has secured, he 
wins. If he has sixty points he loses. 

Beginners, before entering the higher realms of 
Skat, ought to familiarize themselves with this play, 
known as the Simple game, for it is the foundation on 
which Skat has been built. The somewhat confusing 
addition of three more trumps, viz. : the Knaves, 
which makes a trump suit of eleven, can be under- 
stood. The Skat, and its importance, as giving the 
person who secures it a sight of twelve cards, is now 
appreciated. 

PENALTIES. 

The player, B, has won his Simple game with sixty- 
one points. He is paid for the call. There are certain 
fixed charges which accompany all calls Say in this 
instance a Simple game in diamonds was worth ten 
chips. A pays B ten chips, as does C. If B had lost 
he would have paid each of the other players ten, or 
twenty chips. He may then win or lose twenty points. 



18 

B has started out to make his sixty-one points, and 
can count only somewhere between thirty-one and 
sixty, then he only pays the penalty, but if he makes 
only thirty, he is Schneider — the translation of which 
is "cut"— r and if he makes no count at all, he is 
Schwartz, or "black, ''which is equivalent to our white- 
washed, or the less polite term of " skunked." There 
are increased penalties for both these unfortunate con- 
ditions, as when Whist used to be played when a 
Double or Triple was lost. 

MATADOES . 

The possession of the Knaves also add to the value 
of the hands. Remembering their succession, the 
Knave of clubs standing first, what are called " Mata- 
dors " begins by possessing this particular Knave. A 
hand having Knave of clubs and Knave of spades, 
has two Matadors. If the player holds the Knaves of 
clubs, spades, and hearts, always bearing the succes- 
sion of suits in hand, he has three Matadors. If he 
holds them all he has four. But there is more than 
this. If with the four Knaves he has Ace, King, Queen 
and Ten, these cards increase the number of his Mata- 
dors, so that a hand holding all the Knaves and al] 
the other trumps, would have not less than eleven 
Matodors in hand. But the absence of the leading 



19 

Knave, the one in clubs, prevents the having of 
Matadors at all. If the best Knave is found in the Skat, 
of course it belongs to the party who takes it up, and 
so with two or three Knaves, picking up the missing 
one in the Skat would make them all Matadors. 

Their absence in a player's hand, if he wins his 
call, his adversaries holding them, makes the Mata- 
dors count in his favor. If he loses, and holds Mata- 
dors, the having of them increases the penalty. The 
having, or not having Matadors, by the caller or his 
opponents, is an important factor, of what a player 
receives or has to pay out. At the conclusion may be 
found the full tables of games devised from the rules 
laid down by the recent Skat Congress held at 
Altenberg. 

PROGRESSION OF THE GAME. 

The term Tourne is derived from the French, and 
means to turn a card, and to play Tourne is to make 
a bid higher than the Simple game. Solo is higher 
than Tourne, and Nullo a better call than Solo, and 
beats a Solo in spades, but Solo in clubs is higher 
than Nullo. There is no use in asserting that this is 
an unphilosophical sequence. "We have to take the 
game as it is played. It is the cost of the game in 
this instance that governs. 

Grando comes after a Solo in clubs, then Nullo- 



20 



Open. A Grando with, or without Knaves, is the 
highest call that can be made. 

FROM THE LOWEST TO THE HIGHEST GAME. 

The game of Skat begins with the lowest call, which 
is the Simple game, and ends with a Grando with, or 
without two or more Knaves, which is the highest. 



In a tabulated form the games may be seen as fol- 


Wo • 

Simple game 


in Diamonds 


a 


(C 


rt Hearts 


a 


It 


" Spades 


a 


(C 


" Clubs 


Tourne 




" Diamonds 


K 




" Hearts 


(C 




" Spades 


a 




u Clubs 


Solo 




" Diamonds 


<c 




" Hearts 


a 




" Spades 


Nullo 






Solo 




u Clubs 


Nullo-open. 




Grando, 


with or without two or more Jacks. 



We do not give the cost of these games here, as we 
think it would be confusing; but the philosophy of the 



21 

values will be explained hereafter. By referring to 
the table of values (page 31) like in Boston, at once 
the cost of any game can be determined. 

WfiAT IS TOURNE? 

The Simple game having been explained, Tourne is 
played precisely like the Simple game, only the trump 
is made by the player taking up one of the cards 
from the Skat, which one card he turns face up on the 
table. Whatever it is, that is trumps. The person 
making Tourne the game, may take up either of the 
two cards he pleases, so that he exposes only one of 
them ; but he must do so before looking at either of 
them. Of the two cards he may select either the top 
or the bottom one, but before looking at them. That 
card shown is the trump. He must make sixty-one 
points, or lose. It is played just like the Sim- 
ple game. The player incorporates the two cards 
of the Skat into his hand, and discards two. What- 
ever is in the Skat, or in his discard, belongs to him. 

WHAT IS SOLO ? 

The player calling Solo declares the trump, and by 
so doing, he tacitly asserts that he can make his sixty- 
one points without having recourse to the aid the 



22 

Skat might give him. He says a Solo in diamonds, 
hearts, spades or clubs, whatever he thinks he is 
strongest in. Though he does not look at the Skat 
until the game is v over, the Skat belongs to him, and 
any points found there are to his credit. After the 
ten cards are played in each hand^ then only he looks 
at his Skat. 

NULLO. 

The player who calls Nullo declares that he will 
take no trick. There are no trumps here, and the 
Knaves fall into the usual order of cards, the Ace 
being highest, then King, Queen, Knave, Ten, Nine, 
Eight and Seven. If the Nullo player takes a trick he 
loses. The Skat belongs to him. 

NTJLLO OUVERT OR OPEN 

Is a Nullo or a call to make no trick at all, the 
player exposing all his cards, laying them on the table. 
It is precisely like " Misery on the table " in Boston . 
He must take no trick. The Skat is not used. 

GRANDO. 

This is a declare where the player dispenses with 
the Skat, as in Solo, and depends on the natural 
strength of his cards. When the call of Grando is 



23 

made the player must count his sixty-one. Failing 
to do this he loses. The four Knaves are the highest 
trumps, and the only trumps. Aces and Tens of suits 
are the highest cards, then Kings, Queens, Nines, 
Eights, as in the other game 

RECAPITULATION. 

Simple Game. — The player declares a trump, and 
has the privilege of taking the Skat, and has to make 
sixty-one points. 

Tourne. — The player turns up one of the cards in 
the Skat, and that card the trump. He must make 
sixty-one points. 

Solo. — Without the Skat the player declares a trump, 
and must make sixty-one points. He counts the 
points which may exist in the Skat after the game is 
closed. 

Nullo. — There are no trumps. The Skat is not 
used . The player must make no tricks. The highest 
card is the Ace, next King, then Queen, Knave, Ten, 
Nine, Eight, Seven. 

Nullo-Open. — The same as above, only the player 
exposes his cards. 

Grando. — Without the use of the Skat, the four 
Knaves in their color succession, clubs, spades, hearts 
and diamonds, being the highest cards, then the Aces 
and Tens of various suits the next, then the Kings, 



24 

Queens, Nines, Eights, Sevens the next, the player 
must make sixty-one points. 

SCHNEIDER AND SCHWARTZ. 

A declaration is made in the Simple game, Tourne 
or Solo. The player who calls it, if he has thirty 
points or less, loses with " Schneider." He ought to 
have made sixty-one. The opponents have made then 
of course ninety, and there is an increased penalty. 
The rule works both ways. If no points are made at 
all by the player he is Schwartz, or " black." The 
same thing happens to the opponents, A player with 
a strong hand, believing he can make his opponents 
Schneider, can announce that he is going to make his 
adversaries "Schneider." In that case, because he 
announces it there are increased penalties. This is 
called announcing "Schneider." He can announce, 
also, that he can make his adversaries " Schwartz." 

PLAYS. ADVANCING THEM AFTER A FIRST DECLARATION. 

If in Tourne a Jack be turned up, it may as a 
fortunate accident, give very much greater strength to 
a hand, and the player may call Grando Tourne, which 
is Grando, and is paid as such. 

GRANDO WITH THE KNAVES. 

Sometimes a player who has been bid up to the 
highest notch by a Nullo Ouvert — or a Nullo-Open — 



25 

will declare Grando without two Matadors, which 
means that he may hold the Knave of spades and 
Knave of hearts, or the Knave of spades and dia- 
mond. He may win every point, but looking in his 
Skat he finds there the Knave of clubs. The Knave 
is his, to his misfortune. He has declared Grando 
"without two Knaves," but he has found the Knave 
he does not want, which, he hoped, was in his 
adversaries hands, in his own Skat, and he loses. 

WHEN THERE IS NO CALL, RAMPS. 

It sometimes happens that no call is made by the 
Skat players. In such a case the cards might be 
thrown down, and new game commenced. By prior 
arrangement, Eamsch — or Eamps — may be intro- 
duced. The three play without recourse to the Skat, 
and the party taking the most points pays the other 
players. The four Knaves alone are trumps, and 
the Aces and Tens, as in Grando, are the highest cards 
after the Knaves. The person having the most points 
pays ten to the other players. If two have the same 
number of points they each pay ten to the person 
who has the least. If each player has forty points it 
is a stand off. The Altenberg Skat Congress urges 
the abandonment of Eamps. 



26 



TO LAY DOWN. 

In the Tourne, where it is luck alone which deter- 
mines the trump, a card may be turned up, which is 
the only trump the player has. He is certain to lose. 
If he played he might be made Schneider or Schwartz. 
In order to save time he may, after the first card is 
played, at once declare that he cannot make the sixty- 
one points, and throw up the hand. He pays the 
smallest penalty the hand calls for. The opponents 
cannot give up their hands under any circumstances, 
though they may be certain of defeat. 

TO CALL A GAME. 

There can be no retrogression. A call cannot go 
backwards to one of a lesser value. If a call be made 
in hearts, and driven to spades, the player may call it 
in clubs; this refers to Solo. In Tourne the turn up 
regulates the trump, unless a Knave is turned, then 
the player may call Tourne Grando. 

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE COUNT. 

Simple games — Diamonds Cost 1 

— Hearts 2 

— Spades 3 

—Clubs 4 



27 

Tourne — Diamonds 5 

— Hearts .'. 6 

— Spades 7 

—Clubs 8 

Solo— Diamonds 9 

— Hearts 10 

— Spades , 11 

Nullo . 20 

Clubs ....12 

Grando 16 

Nullo-Open 40 

The way of counting the penalties is increased or 
diminished with the Matadors held by the player or 
by his adversaries, or whether there be Schneider or 
Schwartz made by either the player or his opponents. 
When Schneider is announced two rates are given. 
When Schwartz is announced there are four rates. 
These rates are multiplied by the fixed values made 
out for the calls, The Matadors being the most 
changeable of the factors, beginning with one Mata- 
dor and concluding with eleven, the valuations of 
game in a tabular form will be found convenient, and 
such is presented for every possible combination of 
the game on page 31 



28 



HINTS AS TO THE PROPER PLAYING OF SKAT. 

The four-handed game with the thirty-two cards, as 
in Euchre, is well-known. In Skat, which is a three- 
handed game, the change is somewhat confusing, 
and added to this are certain combinations, the 
presence of the Knaves, which are the best trumps. 
The two cards in the Skat, the Skat being a constant 
factor, also increases the difficulties. 

To play Skat well is an accomplishment which very 
few possess. 

The suits which happen to be short in the person's 
hand who makes a call are often a matter of surprise. 
The player of a call has the advantage of making a 
short suit, by his discard in the Skat. It is his object 
to have a short suit, so that he can trump the Aces or 
Tens, or other high cards of his adversaries. 

To get the caller between the two opponents is 
what his adversaries must always endeavor to accomp- 
lish It can be seen at once that if the caller of a 
game is short of a suit, he must trump, otherwise, with 
their long suit, the adversaries being on both sides 
of him, will put in all their Aces and Tens, and thus 
fatten their own points. To prevent this the person 
who has made the call, is forced to trump, and to 
trump may weaken his hand. 

Strict count must be kept at all stages of the game, 



29 



and the caller and his adversaries must know exactly 
what are the totals in the tricks taken. A good Skat 
player, when a round is over, always announces the 
exact number of points he has. In this counting, the 
player having the Skat, if it has been incorporated in 
his hand, knows more than his opponents. After four 
or five plays, good players will be pretty well satisfied 
as to what is, or what ought to be in the Skat. This 
knowledged of the points, in every stage of the game, 
is of use in this way. A player of a call has already 
scored fifty (50) points, the adversaries have the same 
numbers. An Ace then, which wins or loses, decides 
the fate of a game. Even a Knave may make exactly 
sixty-one. In the same way when a Schneider is pos- 
sible, and eighty has been made, a Ten or an Ace put 
in at the right time ends the matter. 

Skat is a game which can only be played well after 
many sittings. The idiosyncracies of various players 
becomes more prominent in Skat than in any other 
game. Some are very bold, while other are over 
timid. It is the element of chance which always pre- 
dominates. 

ADVICE. 

We should advise those, who wish to learn the 
game, to first acquire a knowledge of the Simple 
game. By playing a half dozen rounds the Simple 



30 



game can be readily learnt. After that Tourne and 
Solo ought to present no difficulties, and then Grando, 
which has the same basis, will be understood. After 
all, Nullo and Nullo Ouvert, are the only real excep- 
tions. 

TABLE OF VALUES. 

Life is too short for the Skat player, at least for the 
American, to count up and figure what are the results. 

In the game of Boston, players have a printed card, 
on which the penalties are indicated. The one found 
at the conclusion of this brochure is taken from that 
in use by the Altenberg Skat Congress, to which 
august body we acknowledge our indebtedness. 

It should be remembered that in some parts of 
Germany the Simple game is rarely played, and that 
Tourne is the first game announced. Nevertheless we 
urge on all players to try the Simple game, as it is 
the abc of Skat. 













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TABLE OE THE VALUATIONS OF SKAT WHEBE THE COST OE EVEBY GAME IS PBESENTED. 




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18 


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3 


6, 9 

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15 


1.8 


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15 


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21 


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15 


18 


21 


24 


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21 


24 


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34 


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20 


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20 


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28 


32 


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36 


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5 


10 


15 


20 


25 


30 


15 


20 


25 


30 


35 


20 


25 


30 


35 


40 


25 


30 


35 


40 


45 


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6 


12 


18 


24 


30 


36 


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24 


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36 


42 


24 


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48 


30 


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42 


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7 


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28 


35 


42 


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28 


35 


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49 


28 


35 


43 


49 


56 


35 


42 


49 


56 


63 


£ 1 Clubs. 
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8 


16 


24 


32 


40 


48 


24 


33 


40 


48 


56 


32 


40 


48 


56 


64 


40 


48 


56 


64 


72 


12 


24 


36 


48 


60 


72 


36 


48 


60 


72 


84 


48 


60 


72 


84 


96 


60 


72 


84 


96 


108 


Diamonds. 


9 


18 


27 


36 


45 


54 


27 


36 


45 


54 


63 


36 


45 


54 


63 


72 


45 


54 


63 


72 


81 


Hearts. 


10 


20 


30 


40 


50 


60 


30 


40 


50 


60 


70 


40 


50 


60 


70 


80 


50 


60 


70 


80 


90 


Spades. 


n 


22 


33 


44 


55 


66 


33 


44 


55 


66 


77 


44 


55 


66 


77 


88 


55 


66 


77 


88 


99 


Clubs. 


12 


24 


36 


48 


6C 


72 


36 


48 


60 


72 


.84 


48 


60 


72 


84 


96 


60 


72 


84 


96 


108 


Nullo. 

Nullo Ouvert. 

Grando. 


20 
40 
16 










































1 






































32| 48 


64 


80 


96 


48 


64 


80 


96 


112 


64 


80 


96 


112 


128 


80 


96 


112 


128 


144 


Graudo Ouvert 


94 


1 






144 










168 










193 








1216 


















1 






With or without five 


With or without six 


With or without seven 


With or without eight 


. f Diamonds. 


Matadors. 


Matadors. 


Matadors. 


Matadors7 




1 


6 


71 8 


91 10 


71 8 


9 


10 


11 


1 8 


9 


10 


11 12 


9 10l 11 12 




p, J Hearts. 
.§ ] Spades. 


2 


12 


14 16 


18 20 


14 16 


18 


20 


22 


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18 


20 


22 


24 


18 


30 22 


24 


3 


18 


21 




27 €0 


21 24 


27 


30 


33 


I 24 


27 


30 


33 


36 


27 


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33 


36; 


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4 


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32 


36 


40 


44 


32 


36 


40 


44 


4oi 


36 


40 


44 


48 


52 


l' Diamonds. 


5 


30 


35 


40 


45 


50 


35 


40 


45 


50 


55 


40 


45 


50 


55 


60 


45 


50 


55 


60 


65 


*g Hearts. 


6 


36 


42 


48 


54 


60 


42 


48 


54 


60 


66 


48 


54 


60 


66 


72 


54 


60 


66 


72 


78 


B \ Spades. 


7 


42 


49 


56 


63 


70 


49 


56 


63 


70 


77 


56 


63 


70 


77 


84 


63 


70 


77 


84 


91 


H Clubs. 


8 


48 


56 


64 


72 


80 


56 


64 


73 


80 


88 


64 


72 


80 


88 


96 


72 


80 


88 


96 


104 


\ Grando. 


12 










































f Diamonds. 


9 


54 


63 


72 


81 


90 


63 


72 


81 


90 


99 


72 


81 


90 


99 


108 


81 


90 


99 


108 


117 


6 j Hearts. 


10 


60 


70 


80 


90 


100 


70 


80 


90 


100 


110 


80 


90 


100 


110 


120 


90 


100 110 


120 


130 


g -{ Spades. 


11 


66 


77 


88 


99 


110 


77 


88 


99 


110 


121 


88 


99 


110 


121 


132 


99 


110,121 


132 


143 


[_ Clubs. 


12 


72 


84 


96108 


120 


84 


96 


108 


120 


132 


96 


108 


120 


132 


144 


108 


120432 


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156 


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With or without ten 


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Matadors. 


Matadors. 


Matadors. 




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Hearts. 


1 


10 


11 


12 13 14 


11 


12 


13 


14 15 


12 13 


14 


15 16 


5 


2 


20 


22 


24 


26 


28 


22 


24 


26 


28 


30 


24 


26 


28 


30 


32 




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3 


30 


33 


36 


39 


42 


33 


36 


39 


42 


45 


36 


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45 


48 




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4 


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52 


56 


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64 






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5 


50 


55 


60 


65 


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75 


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66 


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78 


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112 




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99 


108 


117 


126 


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117 


126135 


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135 


144 




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10 


100 110 


120 


130 


140 


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120 


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140 


150 


160 




co 


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11 


110121 


132 


143 


154 


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132 


143 


154165 


132 


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154 


165 


176 






12 


120!l32 


144 


156 


168 


132 


144 


156 


168 180 


144 


156 


1681180 192 







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Painter's Magazine, ** Deserves study by all painters interested in dec- 
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Books of Advertised Wonders —This is a collection of 

the secrets, money -making recipes, wonders, and various things adver- 
tised by circulars and newspapers to catch curious people. Some are 
good, some bad, some indifferent. $250 were spent to collect them, and 
here you have them for 50 cents, with our comments as to the humbugs 
when they are such. There are enough good things to pay almost any 
one for the outlay of fifty cents, and many persons will avoid paying 
much high prices for some by getting this book , 50 cts, 

Candy Maker. — A complete guide for making all plain 
and fancy candies, bonbons, etc. It tells exactly how to boil the sugar 
or molasses successfully for every kind of candy how to color, flavor, 
and every operation . This is a good trade in every city, town, and vil- 
lage, and is easily learned Fresh candies of all fashionable kinds sell 
readily at immense profits, and will build up a trade in any community 
now using the factory kinds . Any grocer or baker could add largely 
to his profit in a small place by introducing a few of these specialties 
The book also gives a full line of syrups for soda water, recipes for 
many popular styles of ice cream, and other information. Illus- 
trated. » 50 cts. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N . Y. 



New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed. 

Art of Training Animals.— A complete guide for ama- 
teur or professional trainers, giving all the secrets and mysteries of 
the craft, and showing how all circus tricks, and all feats of all per- 
forming animals— from elephants to fleas— are accomplished. It also 
has an improved system of horse and colt breaking, breaking and 
training sporting dogs, care and tuition of song, talking, and perform- 
ing birds, snake charming, bee taming, and many other things, making 
a large, handsome volume of over 200 pages and 60 illustrations. It 
would take a page of this catalogue merely to mention what the book 
contains, Every farmer and animal-owner will find this book valuable, 
and every boy who has dogs or other pets will find it a source of 
endless amusement. One gentleman writes us that his boys have 
organized quite a circus with their pets, who have been taught 
amusing and wonderful tricks from our book, and he proposes get- 
ting them a little tent. Remember this book at the holidays, It is a 
good present .50 cts. 

(An edition embracing also The Horseshoer's Manual and Youatt's 
Treatise on Diseases of the Horse's Foot, in one handsome cloth-bound 
volume, at $1.00.) 

Art of Wood Engraving, — A practical instructor by 
which any one can learn a good trade. Many young ladies have had 
gratifying success, and executed very creditable and profitable work 
after a few months' practice. Profusely illustrated ............. .25 cts. 

Artist's Manual. — A practical guide to Oil and Water- 
Color Painting, Crayon Drawing, etc. By James Beard and other emi- 
nent artists. Now that so many are taking up art studies, this book 
meets a want which can be filled by no other single volume. It is very 
clear, full, and explicit, and teaches the best methods. Mr, Beard is 
widely and favorably known as an artist and writer, and his book may 
therefore be relied upon. It gives the able and conscientious aid of an 
expert, hence is peculiarly helpful. Illustrated .50 cts. 



Bad Memory Made Good, and Good Made Better.— Shows 

how a wonderful power of memory may be acquired by a simple art, 
readily, and enables its possessor to achieve feats incomprehensible to 
those ignorant of the secret. It will be of great assistance to teachers, 
pupils, and professional men generally. Clergymen and speakers will 
save much time by its chapter on Speaking without Notes ; students 
preparing for examination will be greatly aided ............... . . 15 cts. 

Baker's Manual. — This is a practical instructor in all 

branches of the business, including American, French, and German 
styles of work, pastry, cake, and various kinds of bread, biscuit, etc. 
It gives many novelties whose recipes are sold at high prices, and any 
baker will find it pay him to get this book, A good idea of the real 
value of this book is given by the fact that the only similar work, 
scarcely as large, has been selling to the trade for $5 a copy. Any in- 
telligent cook can make the most palatable and attractive articles with 
the aid of our plain and simple directions. Special attention is directed 
to the line of fashionable cakes and pastries. The breadmaking in- 
struction is also very reliable and covers every variety 50 cts. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N. Y, 



German at a Glance. 

A new system, on the most simple principles, for 
Universal Self-Tuition, with English pronunciation of 
every word. By this system any person can become pro- 
ficient in the German language in a very short time. It 
is the most complete and easy method ever published. By 
Franz Thimm. (Revised Edition.) 

Bound in paper cover, ... price 25c. 
Bound in boards, with cloth back, - price 35c. 

French at a Glance. 

Uniform and arranged the same as " German at a 
Glance/' being the most thorough and easy system for 
Self-Tuition. (Revised Edition.) 

Bound 5n paper cover, - price 25c. 

Bound an boards, cloth back, - - price 35c. 

Spanish at a Glance. 

A new system for Self-Tuition, arranged the same 
as French and German, being the easiest method of ac- 
quiring a thorough knowledge of the Spanish language. 
(Revised Edition.) 

Bound in paper cover, - - - price 25c. 
Bound in boards, cloth back, - - price 35c. 

Italian at a Glance. 

Uniform in size and style with German, French, and 
Spanish, being the most simple method of learning the 
Italian language. (Revised Edition.) 

Bound in paper cover, - price 25c. 

Bound in boards, cloth back, - - price 35c. 



Send all orders to 

EXCELSIOR PUBLISHING HOUSE, 
IVo* ^O Bookman Street, 

ISTEW YORK. 



New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed. 

Painter's Manual. -A complete practical guide to house 
and sign painting, graining, varnishing, polishing, kalsomining, paper- 
ing, lettering, staining, gilding, glazing, silvering, analysis of colors, 
harmony, contrast, philosophy, theory, and practice of color, princi- 

Sles of glass staining, etc. Including a new and valuable treatise on 
[ow to Mix Paints. This book is the best general treatise on the paint- 
er's trade yet written, and gives the information really wanted. Ex- 
perienced painters have repeatedly borne witness to its value, and have 
found hints and helps which they had not happened to learn with years 
of practice, To the learner the book is simply indispensable 50 cts. 

Phonographic Hand-Book. — For self-instruction in the 

modern improved system, used by practical reporters in the courts of 
law and on the newspapers. It unites simplicity with thoroughness, 
and is the best work for beginners. 25 cts. 

Rapid Reckoning,— System of the famous "Lightning 

Calculator," whose exhibitions seemed almost miraculous; any one can 
learn and apply; valuable to clerks, bookkeepers, teachers, and busi- 
nessmen. "This is not a gift, but a scientific process. * * * It will 
be of immense advantage in trade, commerce, and science, and revolu- 
tionize the tedious mode of addition throughout the world."— N. Y. 
Tribune. It is not a M table-book," but the art of performing arithmet- 
ical calculations with almost instantaneous speed by processes fully 
taught and easily learned by this book .25 cts. 

Rogues and Rogueries of New York.— Exposes all 

frauds and swindles of the great cities, from confidence operators to 
guack doctors, and swindles and humbugs by mail. Nearly 100,000 cop- 
ies haVe been sold, and it has broken up many swindles. It is highly in- 
teresting, as well as valuable. If you haven't read it, don't fail to do 
so. Illustrated ,\ . . ... .25 cts. 

Royal Society Drawing Book.— This book took the prize 

offered for the best by the London Society of Arts. It advances the 
learner radidly, at the same time making him thorough in all he learns. 
It is adapted to self -instruction or use in classes. It has the quickest 
and best methods, clearly presented. Its instructions are exact and 
always to the point, and so clear that the learner cannot go astray. It 
is profusely illustrated, covering the whole ground of Free-hand Out- 
line from Outline or from the Flat, Free-hand Outline from Objects or 
from the Round, and Practice of Free-hand Outline from Solids and 
Real Objects. If you want to learn drawing understandingly and cor- 
rectly as well as rapidly, this is the proper guide. .50 cts. 

Scene Painting and Painting in Distemper,— This 

work gives not only full instructions in the preparation of the colors, 
drawing for scene painters, stage settings, but also useful information 
regarding stage appliances and effects. It has numerous illustrative 
diagrams and engravings $1.00 

Secrets Worth Knowing.— A guide to the manufacture 

of hundreds of useful and salable articles, including patent medicines, 
perfumery, toilet, and dental articles, and many others easily made at 
trifling cost; selling readily at large profit. A single article may afford 
livelihood to person making and introducing to the public ; storekeep- 
ers, agents, and others can make a line of salable goods and make 
money in any community 25 eta. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N. Y. 



New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed, 
Haney's Fancy Alphabets.— For sign painters. This 

work meets a want, It gives the fashionable styles of the day, and orig- 
inal designs of great beauty and utility. Sign painters who want the 
novelties of New York experts should get this work. It will help you 
to keep customers and get new ones. . . . . . 50 cts. 

Home Recreations ; or, How to Amuse the Young Folks*— 

Designed to afford fresh and agreeable entertainment for juvenile par- 
ties, holidays, and the home circle. It will give many pleasant hours 
and keep young folks out of mischief, and make them find employment, 
in their home circle contentedly. Parents, get a copy by all means 
Illustrated . . . 25 cts. 

Horse-Shoer's Manual.— Includes preparation of foot, 
choice of shoes and their preparation, fitting, filing, nails and nailing, 
shoeing with leather, cutting, removing, etc. Also, Youatt's Treatise 
on Diseases of Horses' Feet. Bonner's famous horse, Dexter, owed 
much of his value to good shoeing, and with all horses it is of grave 
importance. This book should be in the hands of every professional 
horse-shoer, and every horse-owner. ...................... . . . . .25 cts. 

Houdin the Conjurer . — This life of the famous French. 
Conjurer is full of interesting adventures, "more fascinating than fic- 
tion." Illustrated with numerous engravings .......... . . . . . .. . . 50 cts. 

How I Became a Ventriloquist.— Describing the methods 

by which the author acquired the amusing art, and also his diverting 
experience therewith. ................. . . . ....... .......... ......... 10 cts. 

How to Make Tip for the Stage.— A practical illustrated 

guide for amateur theatricals, charades, tableaux, etc. This is invalu- 
able to any one getting up, or participating in, any of these entertain- 
ments i -. »..,.,...... 15 cts. 

Humors of Ventriloquism.— Full of the most entertain- 
ing and laughable scenes, etc 10 cts. 

Hunters and Trappers' Practical Guide,— This little 

book has immense sale, and gives satisfaction every time. It is a prac- 
tical guide to gunning and rifle shooting, tells how to choose arms and 
ammunition, about different kinds of game, making and using traps, 
snares, and nets, baits and baiting trailing game, preserving, dressing, 
tanning, and dyeing skins and furs ; season for trapping, hints to trap- 
pers, fire hunting, pigeon catching, camping out; sporting vocabulary, 
recipes for sportsmen, secret of successful fishing. It has more in- 
formation than books costing $1 to $2, and must not be confounded 
with any catchpenny. It has fifty engravings 20 cts. 

Impromptu Speaker.— This is not a collection of set 

speeches, but guides the speaker in making his own. To point out the 
requirements of all ordinary occasions of impromptu speech-making, 
and to afford such aid as may be useful, are the aims of this little trea- 
tise. "While avoiding formal rules and elaborate disquisitions, care 
will be taken to show clearly the things to avoid, as well as the things 
to strive for, in both the matter and the manner of the speech, and the 
particular points of etiquette to be observed — 25 cts. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N. Y. 



New and Popular Books sent free of Postage at Prices Annexed, 

Second Sight. — A guide to performing this famous feat as 

practiced by Heller and other Conjurers* adapted to parlor or school 
exhibitions, with a new method of performing never before published, 
far more easy of performance and bewildering in its effect upon an 
audience — .15 cts. 

Self Cure of Debility.— Including Consumption, Dyspepsia, 
Nervousness, etc. Advertises no doctor or medicine, but gives full and 
plain instructions for self cure by simple means within reach of all, 
which will cost nothing, and are the surest, safe, and quickest methods 
of cure. Dangers of advertised modes of treatment, quack nostrums, 
etc., are pointed out, It will do more than anything else to break up 
quackery, for it tells the truth, and quackery thrives on false- 
hood . . 1 . . .' , ?5 cts. 

Self Cure of liquor and Opium Habits.— This book ex- 
poses dangers and fallacies of advertised modes of treatment and 
quack nostrums, and gives the best and most successful treatment 
known. This book gives recipes for preparations which can be given 
in tea, coffee, or other fluid unknown to the drinker, to cure the liquor 
habit. These preparations are advertised and sold at high prices , . 75 cts. 

Self Cure of Stammering.— The most approved and suc- 
cessful methods of Self- Treatment, with exposures of empirical and 
dangerous devices. By aid of this book many sufferers have overcome 
embarrassing impediments, and its information is the stock in trade of 
several "schools" and "*■ professors," who are doing a lucrative busi 
ness. ,„..„., ....... .25 cts. 

Sign, Carriage, and Decorative Painting.— This book 

is the combined work of several prominent painters, and is full of valu- 
able points upon the several branches of the trade, very complete, It 
includes Fresco and Car painting, and other useful matters . . 50 cts, 

Sign Writing and Glass Embossing,— This standard 

work, so widely and favorably known, is now issued in new edition, 
with newly engraved illustrations, and at a greatly reduced price, 
This work is too well known to the trade to need eulogy at our hands. 
It has been long regarded as a standard work and invaluable to every 
one interested in its line. ,,., 75 cts. 

Slow Horses Made Fast, and Fast Horses Made Faster, 
—System of increasing speed practised by the most famous and suc- 
cessful horsemen. Endorsed by Robert Bonner, Esq. Illustrated, 50 cts. 

Sketching from Nature in Pencil and Water Colors, 

—This is an excellent work for young art students ; full of practical 
information, which they will find clearly presented. Illustrated. 50 cts. 

Snares of New York.— The most complete exposure of 

the perils and pitfalls of this city, the clever devices of wily men and 
women to entrap the innocent or the stranger, and the trap?, of swin 
dledom high and low. A mammoth double-column volume of nearly 
200 pages, profusely illustrated. ,.,,,.. .50 cts, 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St,, N. Y 






New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed. 
Comicalities by Orpheus C. Kerr,— A capital work by 

this very popular American humorist. Containing 150 comic engrav- 
ings. 25 cts. 

Common Sense Cook Book.— A large and excellent col- 
lection of approved cooking and domestic recipes 25 cts. 

Infant Star Speaker.— A collection of choicest pieces for 

little speakers, adapted to different styles and abilities. A valuable 
feature of this book is the instruction on training and managing the 
1 ttle speakers, and how to make the most effective appearance at 
school receptions and exhibitions 25 cts. 

Joe Green's Trip to New York.— A highly diverting 

account of a stranger's amusing haps and mishaps in the metropolis. 
Illustrated , 10 cts. 

Lessons in Horse Judging.— A practical guide for dealers 
and buyers, by which any intelligent person may become a good judge 
of horses 50 cts. 

Manual of Hair Ornaments.— For jewelry or souvenirs. 

A guide for a tasteful recreation for leisure hours, and a source of 
profitable employment for jewelers and others. This book gives full 
directions whereby any one can acquire the art. The book is illustrated 
with over eighty explanatory engravings and beautiful designs for 
work... ..50cts. 

Marine and Landscape Painting in Oil.— A practical 

guide, fully illustrated 50 cts. 

Marine and Landscape Painting in Water-Colors.— 

A practical guide, fully illustrated 50 cts. 

Marvels and Mysteries of Detective Adventure.— A 

collection of thrilling and interesting stories of the detectives. Illus- 
trated 25 cts. 

Mind Reading.— A practical explanation of the curious 
phenomena exhibited by " Brown, the Mind Reader," enabling any one 
to perform the experiments. Illustrated 15 cts. 

Nightside of New York.— This book is a vivid and truth- 
ful portrayal of the great city after the gas is lighted. It presents high 
and low life as they actually are; the fashionable life and life in the 
slums. It does not seek sensationalism, nor to draw on fancy for its 
matter. "Truth is stranger than fiction. " Illustrated 25 cts. 

Practical Mesmerist,The.— A plain and practical illustrat- 
ed self -instructor in Curative and Scientific Mesmerism,teaching how the 
reader miy acquire and practice the art; how to detect disease, to 
retard or accelerate the circulation of blood, to cure headache, rheu- 
matism, tic doloreau, mental disorders, paralysis, spinal disease c om- 
plaints of lung, liver, heart, and stomach, etc. ; introvision, or power 
of looking into the body, clairvoyance, mesmerized water, to make a 
person subject to yoivr will or command, and many curious experi- 
ments. Third edition, with much important additional matter, with 
numerous illustrations. . . . , „ 25 cts. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N. Y. 



New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed. 

Carpenter's Manual. — Instructs in the use of tools and 
the various operations of the trade, including* drawing for carpenters, 
forms of contracts, specifications, etc., with plain instructions for be- 
ginners, and full glossary of terms used in the trade. Also gives plans 
and specifications for building a number of frame houses Illus- 
trated . . , , 50 cts. 

Detective's Club.— A most interesting book of detective 
life and adventure. Curious, amusing, and thrilling. Large illustrated 
volume , * 25 cts. 

Diseases of Dogs.— Their pathology, diagnosis, and treat- 
ment; to which is added a complete dictionary of canine materia 
medica. A practical guide for every dog owner. Tells how to prevent 
as well as to cure diseases, and gives much information on care and 
management of dogs If you have a valuable sporting or watch dog, 
or a pet dog of any kind, you should get this book for its valuable sug- 
gestions on care of dogs, and for handy reference in any emergency. 
It is thoroughly reliable, and sample and explicit in its language. 25 cts. 

Dog Training. —Chapters on dog training from the "Art 

of Training Animals." The following briefly gives an idea of its con- 
tents r Watch dogs, their selection and value, shepherd's dogs, differ- 
ent kinds and their respective merits and defects, their rearing and 
training. Varieties and merits of sporting dogs ; preliminary train- 
ing, lessons in the field ; water dogs. Performing Dogs — Simple tricks 
and training, to teach him his name, to leap, to walk erect, to dance, 
to jump rope, to sit and lie down at command, to beg, to give his paw, 
to sneeze, to speak for it, to fetch and carry, to bring you his tail in his 
mouth, to stand on a ball and roll it up and down a plank, to walk on 
stilts, to go up and down a ladder, to stand on his head, and walk on 
fore-legs, to "sing/' lump of sugar trick, to feign death 25 cts. 

Dyer and Scourer.— -A complete practical guide, designed 
especially for the use of job dyers. It includes dyeing silk, stuff, or 
mixed goods, cotton, raw wool scouring, scouring for job dyers, and 
job dyeing in all its branches .50 cts. 

Employment Seeker's Guide.— Gives advantages and 

objections of different trades and professions ; how to succeed in bus- 
iness ; how to get good situations, new openings, and much valuable 
practical information. Boys and young men will get useful hints from 
its pages that may assist them throughout their business career. Par- 
ents would find it a good book, interesting, as well as helpful, to place 
in the hands of sons or daughters, as the employments of women are 
also treated , 25 cts. 

Fun Everlasting*— A large collection of choice humorous 
stories, jests, puns, witticisms, etc., which will afford hearty laughter, 
the whole illustrated by numerous comic engravings. You can invest 
a dime with certainty of being well pleased, to say nothing of giving 
your whole family something to amuse them into the bargain. It is 
one of the best selling funny books, and it pleases every time . .10 cts 



Furniture and Cabinet Finisher.— A guide to polishing, 

jtaining, dyeing, and other preparations of hard and soft woods, includ- 
ng the various imitations of costly woods, and a multitude of trade 
recipes, and secrets of the trade 50 cts. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N. Y. 



lAvnrV 



New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed 

Soap-Maker's Manual.— Plain and practical guide for the 

manufacture of plain and fancy soaps, washing" fluids, medicinal soaps, 
toilet preparations, shaving soaps and creams, soap powders, etc , for 
families and manufacturers. Has best American, English, French, and 
German formulas. Any family in the country can make good soap at 
trifling cost. . 25 cts. 

Spirit Mysteries Exposed.— A complete exposition of 

ail the marvelous feats of the ,k spirit rappers " and " mediums,'' Daven 
ports, Hume, etc.. so fully laid bare that any one can perform. The 
young folks can astonish and amuse their companions and friends by 
exhibitions of these mysterious doings, doing the wonders seen at 
private and public seances. Illustrated.. . . . . . 15 cts. 

Standard Sign Writer, The.— This book is very generally 

recognized as the standard work on the subject. Its instructions are 
clear, precise, and practical, and cover just the ground desired by most 
of the profession It is divided into two parts, the first giving detailed 
instructions for the different styles of lettering according to the prac- 
tices most approved by the best practical sign-writers. The second 
part consists of a variety of large engraved plates, designed especially 
ror this work, and giving some of the best styles of lettering, model 
aloh^bets, designs for signs, and other things of interest to the profes- 
sion ; .-.*,.. ^ ........ ....v.. ^J. 00 

Standard Scroll Book, The. —This is a collection of upward 

of two hundred designs suitable for painters, jewelers, designers, deco- 
rators, draughtsmen, and almost every branch requiring ornamental 
scroi L work Prominent features in this book are the Shaded scrolls and 
the designs for Signs, Wagons , and Omnibuses $1.00 

Standard Irish Readings, — Gives choicest selections in 

prose and verse, many rare ones, suited to recitation or public reading. 
While specially interesting to Irish people, many of the pieces are well 
^adapted to general use, being very fine 25 cts. 

Taxidermist's Manual.— This is the only complete and 
practical work giving full and plain instructions for collecting, pre- 
paring, preserving, stuffing, and mounting all birds, animals, and in- 
sects ./.-» ........ * ... i ............ ."50 cts. 

Tricks on Travelers. —A little work exposing frauds 

practised on travelers, and other information useful to strangers in 
great cities, Illustrated . ... ...,.., 15 cts. 

Uncle Si's Black Jokes.— This is one of the funniest 
books you ever saw. It is quaint and curious, and real darkey humor. 
Illustrated .;...",'..,., . » . . . ................ 10 cts. 

Use of Colors.— A valuable treatise on the properties of 
different pigments and their suitableness to uses of artists and students. 
Full of useful information ,; ,25cts, 

Watchmakers and Jewelers* Manual.— Gives latest 

and most approved secrets of the trade, embracing watch and clock 
cleaning and repairing, tempering in all its grades, making tools, com- 
pounding metals, alloys, plating, etc., with plain instructions for 
beginners. Greatly enlarged edition . ..-...*.. -. ...50 cts. 

Excelsior Publishing House, 29 Beekman St., N. Y. 



New and Popular Books sent Free of Postage at Prices Annexed. 

Brudder Gardner's Stump Speeches and Comic* Lect- 
ures. — Containing some of the best Hits of the Leading 

Negro Delineators of the present day, comprising the most Amusing 
and Side-Splitting Contributions of Oratorical Effusions which has ever 
been produced to the Public. Bound in illustrated paper cover . .25 cts. 

Progressive Euchre and How to Play It— Being also 

a complete guide to the various ways of playing "Euchre," by J. B. 
In an elegant artistic cover 10 cts. 

German at a Glance. — A new system, on the most simple 

principles, for Universal Self -Tuition, with English pronunciation of 
every word. By this system any person can become proficient in the 
German language in a very short time. It is the most complete and 
easy method ever published. By Franz Thimm. Revised Edition. 

Bound in paper cover 25 cts. 

Bound in boards, with cloth back . 35 cts. 

French at a Glance. — Uniform and arranged the same as 

" German at a Glance. " Revised Edition. Bound in paper cover. .25 cts. 
Bound in boards, cloth back 35 cts. 

Spanish at a Glance. — A new system for Self-Tuition, 

arranged the same as French and German, Revised Edition. Bound 

in paper cover 25 cts. 

Bound in boards, cloth back 35 cts. 

Italian at a Glance. — Uniform in size and style with Ger- 
man, French, and Spanish. Revised Edition. Bound in paper 

cover 25 cts. 

Brniad in boards, cloth back 35 cts. 

Byrne's Lumber and Log Book, Ready-Eeckoner 

and Price Book. — By Oliver Byrne, Civil, Military and Me- 
chanical Engineer. "Byrne's Ready- Reckoner" is the most concise, 
complete, and correct work ever issued. Boards 35 cts. 

Madame Zadkiel's Perfect Fortune Teller.— Contain- 
ing Answers, Astragalomancy, Augury by Dice, Calendar of Fate, 
Cauls, Candle Omens, Charm of the Rose, etc., etc. With illustrations 
and a double-page chart printed in colors. 156 pages, 16mo. Illu- 
minated board cover. 35 cts. 

Napoleon's Oraculum; or, Book of Fate.— Including 

the true Interpretation of Dreams, Visions, and Omens of the Wedding 

Day. By the Countess of Blessington. The Egyptian Circle; or, Ancient 

Wheel of Fortune. Illustrated, etc., etc. 48 pages, 16mo, paper 

p».%cover .... . 10 cts. 

Madame De Stael's Dream Book and Fortune Teller. 

; -With Illustrated Charts. 48 pages, 16mo, paper cover 10 cts. 

I EXCELSIOR PUBLISHING HOUSE, 29 & 31 Beekman St., New York, N.Y. 

P. O. Box 1144. t 



Popular Boo b! Pop ular Books! f* 

LATE ISSUES. 

How to Play the Game of Skat.— This new game is 
becoming the popular craze among skilled players of cards. 
Professors, Army officers, old Whist, and even Chess Play- 
ers are finding in its intricacies and surprises something 
quite new and exciting. Our pamphlet has been prepared 
with a special view to instruct the novice, and will be found 
plain and easy to understand. Paper cover. Price %5 cts. 

The "Whist Primer. —Contains within a few pages the 
conclusions of all the highest authorities in Whist. Paj.cr 
cover... 10 c s. 

The Poker Primer.— Contains all the needed instruction 
in this once distinctively American game/ The rules are so 
clear that they require no effort to understand, and tho 
student of the book may confidently trust himself to its 
guidance. Paper cover 10 cts. 

The Game of Hearts.— This is a new and very amusing 
game, having a great run. Some authority was needed 
upon the subject, and we have induced one of the oldest 
players in the country to prepare this for us. The game is 
eminently entertaining, and full of unexpected situations. 
Paper cover.. 10 cts. 

The Pinocle Primer.— Pinocle, having become very 
popular within the last few years, a book on it was called 
for. The gentleman who has prepared this little volume, 
the only authority in existence, has been Secretary of the 
Harlem Pinocle Club for many years, and his decisions 
have always been sustained by the Club and public. 

Price . 10 cts. 

The same in German. Paper cover 10 cts. 

Progressive Euchre.— Giving hints and suggestions for 
Progressive Euchre Parties. Our little guide to progressive 
Euchre has been sold to the extent of many thousands, but 
seems more popular than ever. Paper cover 10 cs. 

Hoffmann's Tricks -with Cards.— This is the best book 
of Card Tricks extant, containing not only all the best 
tricks, but giving ample and easily-understood directions, 
with illustrations for the performance of every one. Largo 

12mo, 145 pages. Paper 25 cts. 

Boards 50 cts. 

Madame Juno's Dream Book, Fortune Teller 
and Complete Oraculum.— This is the only book con- 
taining Napoleon's Oraculum complete, giving answers to 
thirty-six questions. This is re-printed from the London 
edition, which costs a guinea in England. The other mat- 
ter contained in the volume constitutes the book. Tho 
best and cheapest of its kind published. Containing 240 

pages. Illuminated board cover 35 cts. 

Paper cover 25 cts. 

Gipsy Queen Fortune Teller, Dream Book, and 
Treasury of Lucky Numbers. — This is a large page 
pamphlet edition of the most complete and best arranged 
dream book published. Contains interpretations upon 
almost every possible subject, &c, &c. Illuminated 
cover 10 cts. 

Any of the above Books sent free of postage at the prices annexed. 

EXCELSIOR PUBLISHING HOUSE, 

29 Beekman Street, N. Y 



LJBRARY OF 



CONGRESS 



00202373720 



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